30 September, 2008

It came as a dead serious comment regarding another person’s view vs. mine on life. While “optimistic” is a term that is applied to me … well never, it got me thinking as to my true view on the world.

I tend to be a realist. I see the world for what it is. I tend to see pain in an objective view - while empathizing with those who have been hurt and abused. I tend to get riled up by stupid people not caring for the poor/hurting/vulnerable – and governments that line their pockets while their people starve and die from treatable diseases. It makes me mad that the rich/powerful gloss over and ignore those who are not like them. I get tired of rich fat white men talking about doing something and yet never actually doing anything. I am livid that governments can be bought off by big money and rich corporations instead of doing what is right – and by the fact that things like rape, incest, kidnapping, child soldiers and slavery are actually things that have to be discussed to determined if it’s “wrong.” I should never have to tell you why a woman being raped in the Congo is something you should give a crap about and move to stop. She’s not a talking point, she’s a woman who is suffering – deeply – in a war you (or rich, powerful, government man) helped start (and maintain).

Yet, I see hope - and I think people working together, and caring for each other, can change things. I firmly believe trafficking can be stopped and the wars in the DRC and Northern Uganda can end. But I realize it's going to be hard - and selfish people are going to have to be forced to change. I don't think it's human nature to reach out and help - but I think we have been instilled with the love and a drive to want to engage with others. The closer you get to God's heart the more you want to help - because in caring and fighting for others it displays a love that transcends all of my ability to give. We are called to bring God's kingdom here on earth - and if we are walking with Him (fighting for the marginalized, poor, hurting, the widow and orphans - living out Matthew 25 ) that is how change comes.

But I don’t think I am an optimist – but I’m not a hell in a hand basket person either.

I am a realist. (or an accountability-ist if there is such a thing)

Or maybe I am just too logical.

Still my co-workers got a good chuckle out of my new title.

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I tell stories about life. I tell stories about people. I tell stories about relationships, everyday encounters and becoming who we are, told mostly from a historical, fiction perspective. I strive to write openly, with characters that are human so that in them others can identify struggles, questions, triumphs and ultimately His grace. I write to better understand God’s grace and to know who He is. We are made to live engaged lives, fully known and accepted in ourselves. When we realize who God made us to be, it frees us to come alongside those we encounter and work to ensure their story is as well received as our own. Everyone has a voice. Everyone has a story.

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